North Idaho Alliance Women of Impact: Serving on a nonprofit board makes a huge impact
Marilee Wallace
Nonprofits provide a way for people to work together for the common good, transforming shared beliefs and hopes into action. They give shape to our boldest dreams, highest ideals and noblest causes. America’s 1.3 million charitable nonprofits feed, heal, shelter, educate, inspire, enlighten and nurture people of every age, gender, race and socioeconomic status, from coast to coast, border to border, and beyond. They foster civic engagement and leadership, drive economic growth and strengthen the fabric of our communities. (In Idaho alone, there are more than 9,000 registered nonprofits.)
The November Women of Impact topic discussion centered around awareness of our local nonprofits, their missions and the importance of serving on a nonprofit board of directors.
A Board of Directors is the governing body for the nonprofit. Board members set policy (govern) and the chief executive of the nonprofit is responsible for implementing that policy. Board members are expected to:
• Mission. To help keep the nonprofit on mission. The two most important questions that each trustee should continually be asking are “What is our mission?” and “Does this action serve the beneficiaries of our nonprofit?”
• Oversee Executive Director/CEO. To approve the selection, provide oversight and support for the Executive Director/CEO.
• Committee Work. To provide oversight for specific operations and support the staff in successfully carrying them out. This generally entails serving on a Board committee that oversees a certain aspect of operations.
• Finance. To ensure that financial accountability and stewardship are hallmarks of operations. To participate in some form of fundraising. This may include identifying prospects or “opening doors” to possible donors (help obtain appointments).
• Advocates in the Community. To advocate for and serve as ambassadors for the nonprofit in the community and among peers.
• Responsible for Meeting Attendance. To take attendance seriously. No one can make all Board meetings but the expectation is to make most of them and let the Executive Director know when absence is required.
Get Involved! Find a nonprofit that you are truly passionate about, one that can use your experience and skills and work to get on their Board. Let the Executive Director or a Board Member know that you are interested in joining the Board. Sometimes, you may have to volunteer for the organization before being considered, each nonprofit is unique in selecting their Board member.
As a Board member, be diligent of the organization's mission, responsibilities and guidelines. Be bold and confident about what you can contribute and stay engaged. Being a Board member is a big deal. Being a woman on a Board adds perspective, which is also a big deal. It’s having a strong voice and making a difference. There’s a nonprofit out there waiting for your talents. Step up. The community needs talented individuals like you!
The Women of Impact Leadership group meets monthly for a nine-month series focused on the theme IMPACTED. Each month features a different topic: September was “I” for Inspiration, November was “P” for Participation, and December will focus on “A” for Art in the community. For details on upcoming topics and additional programs, visit us at https://www.NIA-impact.com.
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Marilee Wallace, IOM, president/CEO of the North Idaho Alliance Women of Impact. The Women of Impact Leadership Roundtable meets once a month for a nine-month series, and we base our monthly agenda on the word IMPACTED. She can be reached at marilee@theniallaince.com.
